Nothing for Netherlands to be ashamed off. Against Argentina it really could have been 50/50 but Netherlands did a lot better then many expected. I thought Netherlands defense was going to give them away considering the amount of young talent that was playing but they only conceded 4 goals in total during their WC run thanks to their defense and young standout Gk. It really for me sucked not seeing both Rafa Van Der Vaart and Kevin Strootman with Netherlands because those guys are game changer big players that would have made a massive difference for the Dutch but even without them they were very close to making it to the finals. For me this wasn't the best Dutch side to compete in the WC but this was a hard working team that did everything in their power to get the job done and a manager who got the best out of what he had. Despite not making it the finals which hurts, they did an amazing job to get to the semis. Mad Respect for Netherlands:)

I agree! As for van der vaart he caused a bit of trouble in the euros so rightly wasn't called up and he also lost a bit of form.

I never expected such an inexperienced team to go this far. It's a great learning lesson & they should be experienced come euro 2016 & World Cup 2018. I wonder which players will replace the older strikers & if Adam maher will feature in the future.

Kuyt was extremely impressive this World Cup. He was willing to play in any position.

I was disappointed with van Persie today. Seemed to either make runs to early or not enough. Didn't hold the ball up well or stretch the defense for robben to work in. I noticed it especially when Huntelaar came on & was able to hold the ball even with 2 players on him. That helped keep possiesion & brig players into the game.

Anyone else think Krul or Vorm would have been better GK starting options than Cillessen?

So far I'm not impressed with him at all. Hasn't made an worldy saves and looked extremely terrified versus Mexico. Even before the match started, in the tunnel he kept looking at the Mexicans players scared. Then he had his worst performance. Leaving his line when he really didn't have to.

I understand why he was picked. LvG probably hopes he will also play in the 2018 Cup & can start gelling with the players from now till then. However he's not that young (25) & doesn't show great promise.

I don't watch him week in & week out but I still think Krul or Vorm would have been safer options for the KO rounds esp with penalties. Thoughts?

Krul is specialised at saving penalties but imo is not any better than Cillessen. Cillessen has let in 4 goals so far, 2 of which were penalties, one was an unstoppable volley, possibly the best goal of the tournament. Only I think he could have saved Dos Santos' shot. But for the rest he's made some good saves and remember, this is only his first major international tournament so far, he has every right to fear top class players who performed very well in the group stage.

I wrote this before the penalty where Krul was put in. And I don't agree with the fact that he should be scared. He let it get to him in the Mexico game. He's played in the champs league so he has faced big opposition before.

I don't think he's bad by any means but for age I expected him to be a bit better. Today he had a great game minues the pens. Granted he was the most fit out of Krul & Vorm who have had a few injuries but as for the future of Dutch keepers there are some youngsters that look like they have more potiential than him. I've watched some Ajax games & he's very bad at penalties.

He's a good player but for me that's all. Who knows though keepers peak later in age than most players.

Netherlands has scored 12 goals so far this World Cup:
2 in the first half
10 in the second half.

Yesterday was not the first time they started with 5-3-2 but had to change their formation during half time because they simply weren't dangerous enough. Or does Van Gaal do it just to confuse the opponent?

England may as well go for broke at Euro 2016, Wales and Northern Ireland are looking to add squad depth, France have almost too many options, and Nigeria got the Africa Cup of Nations exit they deserved